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By Dolores Quesenberry
Communications Director
NCDOL ride inspectors with the Elevator and Amusement
Device Bureau are busy this time of year inspecting hundreds of
inflatable rides that will appear at carnivals, parties and other
events across the state. Inflatable rides have grown in popularity
and are now standard attractions.
Today’s inflatable rides are more than just moonwalks. There
are giant slides, obstacle courses, water attractions and jousting
pits, to name a few. By law, all of these devices must be inspected
by the Labor Department’s certified ride inspectors once each year
to operate in North Carolina.
“Businesses that operate inflatable rides in North Carolina have
to submit paperwork requesting the annual inspection between
January and March,” said Frank Clements, field supervisor for the
Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau. “The deadline for
requesting the state’s annual inspection is March 31. Inspectors
will spend most of April finishing up these inspections.”
On March 11, Interactive Playgrounds of Raleigh inflated a
large collection of its more than 70 inflatable devices for state
inspectors to inspect. Joel Rickards, one of the company’s five
owners, organized the day and opened it up to his community to
help create awareness of potential hazards before the inflatable
season begins.
“We work with a lot of schools and churches,” Rickards said. “I’m
surprised at how many parents and teachers don’t realize the risk
involved in letting kids on a ride that is not properly inspected by the state. If it hasn’t been inspected, it is probably not properly insured either.”
Part of the inspection process requires the company to show proof of liability insurance.
Businesses like Interactive Playgrounds work cooperatively with the Labor Department to
ensure better protection for its business and the riders.
“We want to work with the department to not only ensure everyone’s safety, but to also ensure
an equal market,” Rickards said. “Insurance costs are a big issue for owners, but owners have
the responsibility to provide rides that are properly insured and meet the manufacturers’
specifications.”
NCDOL ride inspectors have a checklist that they go through before a ride will be certified
for the public to enjoy. The inspectors check to ensure the material is flame retardant or
resistant. They are trained to look for wear and tear at entrances and exits where the rides
get the most foot traffic. They also look at the ground anchor points and tether lines to make
sure they are in place. They check the blowers and generators and make sure fire extinguishers
are available. Many repairs are made on the spot by using repair kits provided by the
manufacturers.
“There are a few simple things adults should do before letting kids on a ride,” Clements
said. “There are two important tags you need to look for on the device. One is a round metal
Inflatable Rides Proliferate, Keeping Ride Inspectors Busy
NCDOL inspector Frank Clements checks the seams on an inflatable ride. In
North Carolina, inflatable rides have to be inspected by the Labor Department
annually. Each ride has to meet the manufacturer’s specifications 100 percent
to pass the inspection.
March-April 2011
continued on page 3
Inflatable rides inspected by the N.C. Department
of Labor will have yellow tags this year. Look for
the inspection tag on the rear-end facing right-hand
side of the ride near the tie down straps.
Spring is a season of opportunity. I listened to the
Gold Star growers in February talk about the excitement
of planning for this year’s crops. As my friend Agriculture
Commissioner Steve Troxler said at the meeting, he always
begins the year thinking it is going to be the best crop ever.
Spring at the Labor Department is spent preparing for
the upcoming safety and health schools and the safety awards
banquets. There are a total of seven schools scheduled
across the state in 2011. The Eastern Carolina Safety and
Health School and the Charlotte Safety and Health School
are both scheduled for April 6-8, followed by Hickory on
April 14. Our website has the complete schedule at
www.nclabor.com/osha/etta/2011safetyschools.pdf.
The safety schools provide a platform for addressing
current and timely information on occupational safety
and health issues. Providing the classes in the east, west
and central part of the state allows us to reach as many
employers and employees as possible. I look forward to
attending these schools and speaking to the participants
as we work to keep workplace safety in the forefront of
their minds during these challenging economic times.
The annual safety award season kicks off its 65th season
on March 29 in Lincolnton. Last year the program
distributed a total of 2,592 awards, up from 2,342 the
previous year. I look forward to attending all 30 of the
banquets and seeing many of you again. I think it will be
the best safety awards season ever.
Inside this edition:
NCDOL Recognizes Gold Star Growers page 3
NCDOL Publishes Marina Safety Hazard Alert page 4
Deadly Mistakes page 5
Workplace Worries page 5
Labor Dept. Recognizes Raleigh Dental Practice page 6
Labor Law Poster Scams Continue page 6
Southern Classic Seating Receives SHARP Award page 7
OSHA at 40 page 7
Commissioner Berry Receives Industry Award page 8
Safety Award Banquet Schedule page 8
Bulletin Board page 9
2
From
Commissioner
Cherie Berry
Cherie Berry
Commissioner of Labor
Editor........................................................................Neal O’Briant
Layout and Design..............................................Jeff Wilson
Publications Bureau Chief....................Mike Daniels
1101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1101
1-800-625-2267 • www.nclabor.com
Recognition Roundup recognizes businesses that qualify for one of the
N.C. Department of Labor recognition programs. Congratulations to all of
the recent award recipients. To view a complete list of all North Carolina Star
recipient companies, visit www.nclabor.com/osha/star/starsite.htm.
To view a complete list of all North Carolina SHARP companies, visit
www.nclabor.com/osha/consult/sharp_sites.pdf.
Recognition Roundup
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition
Program (SHARP) Award
Robert L. Williamson III, DDS, Raleigh
BSI-Balance Systems Inc., Statesville
AB Interconnect, Smithfield
Carolina Star Award
Pfizer Inc., Sanford (recertification)
Kimberly-Clark Corp., Lexington Mill, Linwood (recertification)
N.C.Department of Labor
Spring Into Safety!
By Neal O’Briant
Public Information Officer
The NCDOL Agricultural Safety and Health Bureau held its 17th Annual Gold Star
Grower Luncheon on Feb. 2. The event was held in the Gov. James G. Martin building at
the N.C. State Fairgrounds on the opening day of the N.C. Department of Agriculture’s
Southern Farm Show. More than 170 people attended.
Gold Star growers are those whose housing
meets 100 percent of the requirements during
the preoccupancy inspection and who have
gone beyond the requirements. Double Gold
Star growers (who have met the 100 percent
threshold for the previous two consecutive
years) are eligible to conduct their own housing
inspections for that calendar year. The 98
Double Gold Star growers were invited to
the luncheon in addition to 103 Single Gold Star growers.
Regina Cullen, bureau chief for the Agricultural Safety and Health Bureau, welcomed the growers
to the meeting. She emphasized the three C’s in the relationship between the Labor Department and
farmers—communication, collaboration and change.
“The communication part for us is that we learn a lot from you,” Cullen said. “We will start this
year by listening to you, working with you and your farmworkers.”
Cullen talked about many of the programs undertaken by the bureau in past years that began with
ideas shared by farmers. One of the bureau��s initiatives started in 1998 after growers said their
biggest safety concern was driving farm vehicles on rural roads. The bureau helped farmers address
the issue with help from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
Dr. Blake Brown, professor of agricultural and resources economics at N.C. State University,
gave the keynote speech. Dr. Brown told the audience that the outlook is good for most agricultural
commodities. North Carolina’s farmers have adapted to changes in demand, shifting production to
NCDOL Recognizes Gold Star Growers
R.H. Byrd Jr. of Bunn Level receives the award for Most
Improved Housing from ASH inspector Beth Rodman.
3
tag that has a state registry number on it. The second is a yellow tag that will
have ‘NCDOL 2011’ printed on it.”
Clements explained that the tags are placed consistently in the same spot to
make it easier for the public to find. Inspectors place them on the rear-end facing
right-hand side of the ride near the tie down straps. The department changes the
color of the tag each year for tracking purposes. Last year’s tags were red and
this year’s are yellow.
“If the tags are not posted, the device is not safe to ride,” Clements said. “The
device must meet the manufacturers’ specifications 100 percent in North
Carolina. Enforcing this protects the public and forces the owners to take care of
their rides.”
Ride inspectors urge the public to use common sense when using inflatable
devices. Once inspectors are gone, there are variables out of their control such
as weather conditions.
“The wind could be a potential hazard,” Rickards said. “Adults and children
should not get on an inflatable if the wind is greater than 20 miles per hour. In
high winds, all occupants should be removed and the company should deflate
the device.”
If you visit a location with uninspected inflatable rides, you can call the Elevator
and Amusement Device Bureau at (919) 807-2770 to report it. Inspectors will
need to know the city, the street address of the event, and company name, if known.
“Bottom line, the rides are provided for your enjoyment, so don’t let a fun day
end in a tragedy,” Rickards said.
Inflatable Rides continued from page 1
Safety Rules for Inflatables
· Adult supervision is required at all times.
· Follow the rules listed by the manufacturer on the
side of the inflatable.
· Do not use an inflatable device in the rain or if
wind gusts are greater than 20 miles per hour.
· Do not let larger kids on with smaller kids.
· Do not hold hands or ride in another’s lap on slides.
· Do not flip, push or roughhouse while on an
inflatable device.
· Do not use an inflatable device while wearing shoes,
jewelry or any sharp object.
· Do not allow kids to go behind the rides where
generators and blowers are located.
· If a ride begins to deflate, evacuate immediately.
Rides deflate rapidly if power source is lost.
Kenneth Fann of Salemburg receives the
award for Outstanding Double Gold Star
Grower from ASH inspector Mike Coles.
continued on page 4
high value products such as livestock, poultry and fresh produce.
The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of four awards. R.H. Byrd Jr. of Bunn
Level received the award for Most Improved Housing. Kenneth Fann of Salemburg
received the award for Outstanding Double Gold Star Grower. David Hopkins of
Burlington received the award for Best New Construction. Ricky and Trellis Lasley of
Ruffin received the Ron Hudler Workplace Safety Training Award.
All three of the housing award winners talked about how improving their housing has
helped them retain better workers. Fann remarked that having good workers return year
after year repays the investment he has made in providing outstanding housing for them.
Dale Hudler helped Labor
Commissioner Cherie Berry
present the award named in
memory of his father. The
Lasleys are featured in a new
segment on the Hazard
Communication Standard in
the ASH Bureau’s training DVD.
“I hope this video helps each and every one of you and your workers be aware
of farm safety. Without these guys, we can’t make it,” Ricky Lasley said. “We have
to put safety first and make it a top priority”
After the presentation of the four special awards, Commissioner Berry presented
a certificate to each Gold Star grower.
“I want to thank you for all your hard work,” Commissioner Berry said. “You do
such an outstanding job for all the citizens of North Carolina.”
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Felipe Carrera Aguayo from the
Mexican Consulate’s office in Raleigh also spoke to the Gold Star growers.
NCDOL Recognizes Gold Star Growers
4
By Tom Savage, Safety Standards Officer
OSH Education, Training and Technical Assistance Bureau
On June 10, 2008, an explosion and fire occurred on a charter party boat located at a marina on Lake
Norman. The boat was being fueled at the time of the accident. The employee involved in the fueling opera-tion
was killed in the incident.
The N.C. Department of Labor has recently published a hazard alert that highlights some of the key require-ments
that, when followed, could help prevent this type of tragedy in the future. Recreational boaters will find this
information useful as well.
Below are some key points from the hazard alert. Click here to view the entire alert.
Fire Prevention
• Dispensing units must be at least 20 feet from any activity involving fixed sources of ignition and must be located away from other
structures so as to provide room for safe entry and exit from the craft being fueled.
• Dispensing must be by approved dispensing units with or without integral pumps.
• Dispensing nozzles must be automatic-closing without a hold-open latch.
• A readily accessible valve to shut off the supply from shore must be provided in each pipeline at or near the approach to the pier and at the
shore end of each pipeline adjacent to the point where the flexible hose is attached.
• All spills should be wiped up immediately.
• A person should attend the fuel-filling nozzle at all times.
• All personnel should be removed from the boat except the person handling the fueling hose.
Fire Control
• Each service station must be provided with at least one fire extinguisher having a minimum approved classification of 6 B, C.
NCDOL Publishes Marina Safety Hazard Alert
continued on page 5
David Hopkins of Burlington receives the award for Best
New Construction from ASH inspector Johana Furr.
Ricky Lasley of Ruffin receives the Ron Hudler Workplace Safety
Training Award from Dale Hudler, Labor Commissioner Cherie
Berry and ASH inspector Lauren Norton.
Hold-open latches are prohibited.
Boaters should not tamper with the
latch to thwart its safety features.
continued from page 3
By Steve Sykes
State Plan Coordinator
Fatal Event: On May
14, 2010, a 55-year-old
employee was killed when he was struck by a service truck driven
by a co-worker.
Investigative Findings: Four employees were working to place a
temporary bridge over an irrigation ditch in an 80,000-acre managed
forest. After the bridge was in place, an employee backed up a service
truck to refuel a bulldozer that was on the site. During the positioning
for refueling, the victim was struck by the service truck. No one
knew why the victim was behind the service truck since the driver
had indicated that he would be backing the service truck up to refuel
the bulldozer.
An examination of the service truck indicated that there was no
visibility through the rearview mirror because of the placement of a
100-gallon fuel tank and welder on the back of the service truck. The
driver did not see the victim from his driver’s sideview mirrors
either. Viewing from the passenger’s side mirror was impeded by
utility boxes attached to the truck. Backup alarms had been installed
on all company vehicles in 2007, but the alarm on the service truck
did not work on the day of the accident. The company did not have
a procedure in place to designate an observer or spotter when backing
equipment, and the victim was not wearing a high visibility vest at
the time of the accident.
Discussion: Struck-by accidents continue to be a leading cause of
death on the job. In FY 2010, there were a total of 12 struck-by fatalities
in North Carolina workplaces. This number was second only to 15
fall fatalities. The 27 fall and struck-by fatalities made up almost 63
percent of the 43 total work fatalities in FY 2010. There have
already been seven struck by fatalities in FY 2011. Six of the FY
2010 struck-by fatalities involved an employee contact with a moving
vehicle. In the past, NCDOL has investigated accidents involving
trucks, tractor trailers, graders, compactors, garbage trucks, forklifts
and a skidder. Many struck-by accidents occur at highway construction
work zones, constructions sites or garbage dumps—where there is
an abundance of various vehicle activities.
Recommendations:
N Employees should be trained in the hazards associated with
driving a vehicle.
N Vehicle operators should know the location of other employees
on a jobsite.
N Vehicles should be equipped with an audible reverse signal alarm.
N Reverse alarms should be maintained in a workable condition.
N An observer or spotter should be employed when employees
are engaged in activity that requires reversing operations of a
vehicle.
N Employees required to work in the vicinity of moving vehicles
should wear a vest or other high visibility clothing.
5
By Darryl Saunders
Intake and Compliance Unit Supervisor
There is a fast food restaurant
in my town that mainly employs
Hispanics. This includes the
co-manager and the assistant
manager (who schedules the
work hours). I really believe
they need to be looked into to
verify that all their employees
are legal, and I say this because
I have my doubts. If they are legal that is fine, but who can check to
make sure?
The N.C. Department of Labor does not regulate immigration
laws. If you feel that the employees are not working legally, you
should contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security at 1-866-347-2423
Can an employer stop employees from taking their breaks in their cars?
An employer has control over an employee’s actions, especially
on company property. They either obey the employer’s mandates or
face whatever disciplinary actions the company has established. The
matter gets “blurred” when the employee is off company property.
My mother works at a home improvement store. She started there
when they opened three years ago. About a year later, she had to
have surgery. Her doctor gave her a note stating that she could not
work outside. This had been honored by previous management, but
recently a new manager has come in and said he would not honor
the note from the doctor. Is there any labor law that protects her?
She is very hard working and does not want to quit her job because
of her medical condition.
The N.C. Department of Labor does not regulate any laws that
require an employer to recognize an employee’s doctor’s note. If
your mother is officially disabled due to her operations and you feel
that she is being discriminated against due to that disability, you may
want to contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission at 1-800-669-4000. They investigate discrimination in
the workplace.
• The fire extinguisher must be located within 75 feet of each pump, dispenser, underground fill pipe opening, and lubrication or service room.
Sources of Ignition
• There must be no smoking or open flames in the areas used for fueling, servicing fuel systems for internal combustion engines, receiving
or dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids.
• The motors of all equipment being fueled must be shut off during fueling operations.
• Open flame heaters should not be used in boat storage areas.
By following these requirements and educating the public, marinas can minimize or eliminate the hazards associated with dispensing flammable
and combustible liquids, resulting in a safer marina industry and a more enjoyable boating season for all.
NCDOL Publishes Marina Safety Hazard Alert continued from page 4
6
By Neal O’Briant
Public Information Officer
The N.C. Department of Labor honored Raleigh Comprehensive
and Cosmetic Dentistry (Robert Williamson, DDS & Associates)
as a participant in the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition
Program (SHARP). The program recognizes companies for a
commitment to the safety and health of their employees.
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry presented company officials
with the SHARP certificate and flag at a ceremony at its facility in
Raleigh on Friday, March 18.
“Every employee plays a part in creating a successful safety and
health program,” Commissioner Berry said. “Our program recognizes
your success. You should be proud of what you have achieved.”
The SHARP award is designed for small to mid-size businesses.
Companies that qualify for the award show that they have developed
and maintained good safety programs for workers. To qualify for
the program, injury and illness rates for the site must be below the
national average for the industry, and NCDOL safety and health
consultants must complete an assessment of the workplace. The
N.C. Department of Labor currently has 99 companies in the
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
A leading North Carolina dental practice, Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry is committed to offering high quality dental services
and exceptional patient care. Led by Dr. Robert L. Williamson III, Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry offers a full spectrum of
dental treatment options to patients, including expertise in comprehensive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and oral sedation
dentistry.
“It is an honor to be awarded this designation from the state Department of Labor,” Dr. Williamson said. “My staff and I are proud to achieve
and maintain the rigorous standards dictated by the SHARP program. Our efforts provide the highest levels of health and well-being for our
patients and for the staff that is dedicated to treating their dental and oral health needs.”
Labor Department Recognizes Raleigh Dental Practice
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry presents the SHARP certificate to Dr.
Robert Williamson and his staff at Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic
Dentistry. OSH consultants Rod Wilce (left) and Jiles Manning hold up the
SHARP flag in front.
By Dolores Quesenberry
Communications Director
NCDOL provides labor law posters free of charge to the public, but that has never stopped private poster companies from trying to make
a buck off businesses by threatening them with huge fines. Be aware that poster companies have recently added email messages and phone
calls to their toolbox of tricks.
“This is my annual reminder to ignore the ridiculous solicitations,” Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. “Your tax dollars have already
purchased your business a poster, so save your money and call NCDOL for your free set.”
Private poster companies make money selling expensive posters by threatening businesses into buying the latest poster or risk incurring
substantial fines from the N.C. Department of Labor. The poster companies have been known to charge as much as $190 per poster. The Labor
Department has seen an increase in complaints about the emails and phone calls.
The Labor Department will not fine businesses that have the old posters displayed. NCDOL inspectors carry the newest posters in their
vehicles and will offer them free to employers who have out-of-date posters.
“We would never fine an employer unless the employer just blatantly refused to put the posters up,” Commissioner Berry said. “I don’t
know of any employer who has refused to take a free set of posters from one of our inspectors.”
The labor law posters are required under North Carolina law. The posters carry information on the state’s Wage and Hour Act and what are
commonly referred to as “OSHA” regulations, or the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Businesses may not have to order new posters. The Labor Department printed updated posters after Congress passed changes to the minimum
wage in 2007. Any business that received posters with information about the three-step change to the minimum wage does not need a new set.
Businesses that need to order new posters can visit the Department of Labor website at www.nclabor.com/posters/posters.htm or call
1-800-625-2267. To find out if your business is required to post any federal posters, visit the Federal Poster Advisor page on the U.S.
Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov/elaws/posters.htm.
Labor Law Poster Scams Continue
By Dolores Quesenberry
Communications Director
The N.C. Department of Labor honored Southern Classic Seating
in Sophia as a participant in the Safety and Health Achievement
Recognition Program (SHARP). The program recognizes companies
for a commitment to the safety and health of their employees.
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry presented company officials
with the SHARP certificate at a ceremony at its facility on
Wednesday, March 2.
“This is a family owned business that treats its workers like family,”
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. “Each employee should be
very proud of this accomplishment because it recognizes employee
ownership and management’s support.”
The SHARP Award is designed for small to mid-size businesses.
Companies that qualify for the award show that they have developed and maintained good safety programs for workers. To qualify for the
program, injury and illness rates for the site must be below the national average for the industry, and NCDOL safety and health consultants
must complete an assessment of the workplace. There are 99 sites in the program throughout North Carolina.
“We appreciate the cooperative effort that the Department of Labor and our companies enjoy as they work together to provide a safe working
environment for our workforce,” said Harry Lane, existing business and industry coordinator for the Randolph County Economic
Development Corp. “Southern Classic Seating has worked hard on meeting the safety standards needed and are very deserving of the award
as you know.”
Southern Classic Seating was established in 1972 as a pine furniture producer by owner Harris Brown. In the late 1970s the company began
to transition from making furniture to being the manufacturer of custom van seats.
Southern Classic Seating began working with NCDOL Consultative Services in 2005. The company is one of three SHARP sites in
Randolph County.
Southern Classic Seating Receives SHARP Award
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry (center) helps Southern Classic Seating
employees display the SHARP flag. Commissioner Berry attended the company’s
SHARP ceremony in Sophia on March 2.
By Neal O’Briant
Public Information Officer
President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act on Dec. 29, 1970. April 28, 2011, marks the 40th anniversary of
the launch of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Under the federal OSH Act, states were given the option of being subject to federal OSHA or administering their own occupational safety
and health programs. For many years, North Carolina had its own industrial safety program in place, so it came as no surprise when the state
chose to administer its own OSHA program.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina was signed into law in 1973. North Carolina and federal OSHA funds jointly
support the operation of the state OSHA program. The North Carolina plan is required to be “as effective” as federal OSHA and is monitored
by federal OSHA to ensure that it remains as or more effective.
“NCDOL and the Occupational Safety and Health Division continue to reach out to employers and employees alike to keep our injuries
and illnesses low and workplace fatalities from occurring,” said Allen McNeely, NCDOL deputy commissioner for occupational safety and
health. “Through this relationship between the regulator and the regulated, North Carolina has been able to achieve its lowest injury rates on
record.”
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the agency, federal OSHA has created a timeline of significant events in its history on its website
at www.osha.gov/osha40/.
Federal OSHA included an anniversary message on its website that said, “Workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths have fallen dramatically
since OSHA began. Together with our State partners, OSHA has tackled deadly safety risks and serious health hazards. We have established
common sense standards and cooperative programs that have saved thousands of lives and prevented countless injuries.”
OSHA at 40
7
Safety Awards Banquet Schedule
The following Safety Award banquets are scheduled for March, April, May and June. For more information about the Safety Awards
Program, contact Eursula Joyner at (919) 807-2908 or eursula.joyner@labor.nc.gov.
Date Time City Location
March 29 7 p.m. Lincolnton Gaston College Senior Center
April 5 6 p.m. Greenville Hilton
April 12 6 p.m. Lumberton The Village Steakhouse
April 19 6 p.m. Gastonia Gaston Country Club
April 26 Noon Burlington Di Georgio’s Event Center
April 27 Noon Goldsboro Lane Tree Golf Club
April 28 Noon Asheboro AVS Banquet Centre
May 3 6 p.m. Roxboro Old Country Club Steakhouse
May 4 Noon High Point Deep River Event Center, Greensboro
May 5 Noon Monroe Monroe Country Club
May 6 Noon Charlotte Embassy Suites
May 12 6 p.m. Shelby Cleveland Country Club
May 17 6 p.m. Wadesboro The Malsgate
May 18 Noon Statesville Ramada Inn (Formerly Holiday Inn)
May 19 6 p.m. Morganton Community House
May 24 Noon Kinston Kinston Country Club
May 26 6:30 p.m. Ahoskie Ahoskie Inn
June 7 6 p.m. Wilmington Cape Fear Community College, North Campus – McKeithan Center
June 8 6:30 p.m. Rocky Mount Gateway Convention Center
June 9 Noon Sanford Chef Paul’s
June 9 6 p.m. Oxford Vance-Granville Community College
June 10 Noon Raleigh Crabtree Marriott
June 13 Noon Albemarle Stanly Regional Medical Center
June 14 Noon Lexington J. Smith Young YMCA
June 17 Noon Concord Cabarrus Country Club
June 21 Noon Wilson Wilson Chamber of Commerce Offices
June 21 6 p.m. Clinton Oasis
June 23 6 p.m. Asheville Etowah Valley Country Club
June 28 6:30 p.m. Hickory Crown Plaza Holiday Inn
June 30 6:30 p.m. Mount Airy Cross Creek Country Club
By Jennifer Allen
Builders Mutual Insurance Co.
During the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders Show in January,
Builders Mutual Insurance Co. proudly sponsored the NAHB Safety Awards For Excellence,
also known as the SAFE Awards. Emceed by Chris Grundy of the DIY Network, the SAFE
Awards provided a casual atmosphere to recognize the best of the best in safety and health in
the home building industry.
During the presentation, North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry won the
SAFE Award in the category of Federal/State Plan OSHA Safety Program Official of the Year.
In her acceptance message, Commissioner Berry stated, “It is no accident that workplace
fatalities are down statewide and that North Carolina’s injury and illness rate is currently the
lowest on record. … Serving as North Carolina’s Labor Commissioner is an honor and I take
the responsibility of saving lives in the workplace seriously.”
Mike Gerber, senior vice president/CMO of Builders Mutual commented, “Safety starts
with great partnerships. At BMIC, it all started with a partnership with the North Carolina
Home Builders Association, and extended on to the Department of Labor and our relationship
with Commissioner Berry. We value these partnerships and congratulate Commissioner Berry
on receiving the 2011 Safe Award for Federal/State Plan OSHA Safety Program Official of the Year.”
Commissioner Berry, who was unable to attend the SAFE Awards in person, received her award at Builders Mutual on March 22 during a
BMIC Board meeting.
Labor Commissioner Berry Receives Building Industry Award
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry receives the
SAFE Award from Rick Judson (left), chairman
of the board of directors at Builders Mutual,
and Mike Carpenter, NCHBA executive vice
president.
8
9
N.C.Department of Labor
OSH Regional and Webinar Courses
Visit the OSH Training Schedule Calendar at www.nclabor.com/osha/etta/training_calendar/april.html to view upcoming
regional and Internet training courses. The regional training courses take place in OSH Division offices in Asheville,
Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington and Winston-Salem. Upcoming topics include hazard communication, confined space entry,
personal protective equipment, fall protection, excavations and trenching, electrical safety, and respiratory protection.
10-Hour/30-Hour General
Industry Awareness Course
April 11-12/April 11-15
Haywood Community College, Waynesville
www.nclabor.com/osha/etta/30GI/30GIannounce.pdf
Safety and Health Schools
April 7-8
Eastern Carolina Safety and Health School
New Bern
www.ecshs.com
April 7-8
Charlotte Safety and Health School
www.charlottesafetyschool.com
April 14
Hickory Safety School
For more information, contact John Saunders at (704) 665-4341.
Earn While You Learn
NCDOL Apprenticeship and Training Bureau Conference
April 6-8
Embassy Suites, Greensboro
www.nclabor.com/appren/appindex.htm
Mine and Quarry Training
Part 46 New Miner Training
April 18, Wake Forest
May 16, Wake Forest
May 17, North Wilkesboro
Part 46 Annual Refresher Training
April 20, Wake Forest
May 18, Wake Forest
May 19, North Wilkesboro
First Aid Training
April 19, Wake Forest
May 17, Wake Forest
May 18, North Wilkesboro
Part 46 New Miner Training
May 10-12, Mebane
To register for any of these classes,
contact the Mine and Quarry Bureau at (919) 807-2790.
81st Annual N.C. Statewide
Safety Conference
May 17-19
Greensboro
www.ncsafetyconference.com
Builders University Safety Courses
Builders Mutual Insurance Co., which is in an alliance with
NCDOL to promote safe and healthful working conditions,
offers many safety courses through its Builders University.
Visit www.buildersmutual.com/bu for more information
and to view upcoming courses offered at Builders University.
1-800-625-2267
www.nclabor.com

By Dolores Quesenberry
Communications Director
NCDOL ride inspectors with the Elevator and Amusement
Device Bureau are busy this time of year inspecting hundreds of
inflatable rides that will appear at carnivals, parties and other
events across the state. Inflatable rides have grown in popularity
and are now standard attractions.
Today’s inflatable rides are more than just moonwalks. There
are giant slides, obstacle courses, water attractions and jousting
pits, to name a few. By law, all of these devices must be inspected
by the Labor Department’s certified ride inspectors once each year
to operate in North Carolina.
“Businesses that operate inflatable rides in North Carolina have
to submit paperwork requesting the annual inspection between
January and March,” said Frank Clements, field supervisor for the
Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau. “The deadline for
requesting the state’s annual inspection is March 31. Inspectors
will spend most of April finishing up these inspections.”
On March 11, Interactive Playgrounds of Raleigh inflated a
large collection of its more than 70 inflatable devices for state
inspectors to inspect. Joel Rickards, one of the company’s five
owners, organized the day and opened it up to his community to
help create awareness of potential hazards before the inflatable
season begins.
“We work with a lot of schools and churches,” Rickards said. “I’m
surprised at how many parents and teachers don’t realize the risk
involved in letting kids on a ride that is not properly inspected by the state. If it hasn’t been inspected, it is probably not properly insured either.”
Part of the inspection process requires the company to show proof of liability insurance.
Businesses like Interactive Playgrounds work cooperatively with the Labor Department to
ensure better protection for its business and the riders.
“We want to work with the department to not only ensure everyone’s safety, but to also ensure
an equal market,” Rickards said. “Insurance costs are a big issue for owners, but owners have
the responsibility to provide rides that are properly insured and meet the manufacturers’
specifications.”
NCDOL ride inspectors have a checklist that they go through before a ride will be certified
for the public to enjoy. The inspectors check to ensure the material is flame retardant or
resistant. They are trained to look for wear and tear at entrances and exits where the rides
get the most foot traffic. They also look at the ground anchor points and tether lines to make
sure they are in place. They check the blowers and generators and make sure fire extinguishers
are available. Many repairs are made on the spot by using repair kits provided by the
manufacturers.
“There are a few simple things adults should do before letting kids on a ride,” Clements
said. “There are two important tags you need to look for on the device. One is a round metal
Inflatable Rides Proliferate, Keeping Ride Inspectors Busy
NCDOL inspector Frank Clements checks the seams on an inflatable ride. In
North Carolina, inflatable rides have to be inspected by the Labor Department
annually. Each ride has to meet the manufacturer’s specifications 100 percent
to pass the inspection.
March-April 2011
continued on page 3
Inflatable rides inspected by the N.C. Department
of Labor will have yellow tags this year. Look for
the inspection tag on the rear-end facing right-hand
side of the ride near the tie down straps.
Spring is a season of opportunity. I listened to the
Gold Star growers in February talk about the excitement
of planning for this year’s crops. As my friend Agriculture
Commissioner Steve Troxler said at the meeting, he always
begins the year thinking it is going to be the best crop ever.
Spring at the Labor Department is spent preparing for
the upcoming safety and health schools and the safety awards
banquets. There are a total of seven schools scheduled
across the state in 2011. The Eastern Carolina Safety and
Health School and the Charlotte Safety and Health School
are both scheduled for April 6-8, followed by Hickory on
April 14. Our website has the complete schedule at
www.nclabor.com/osha/etta/2011safetyschools.pdf.
The safety schools provide a platform for addressing
current and timely information on occupational safety
and health issues. Providing the classes in the east, west
and central part of the state allows us to reach as many
employers and employees as possible. I look forward to
attending these schools and speaking to the participants
as we work to keep workplace safety in the forefront of
their minds during these challenging economic times.
The annual safety award season kicks off its 65th season
on March 29 in Lincolnton. Last year the program
distributed a total of 2,592 awards, up from 2,342 the
previous year. I look forward to attending all 30 of the
banquets and seeing many of you again. I think it will be
the best safety awards season ever.
Inside this edition:
NCDOL Recognizes Gold Star Growers page 3
NCDOL Publishes Marina Safety Hazard Alert page 4
Deadly Mistakes page 5
Workplace Worries page 5
Labor Dept. Recognizes Raleigh Dental Practice page 6
Labor Law Poster Scams Continue page 6
Southern Classic Seating Receives SHARP Award page 7
OSHA at 40 page 7
Commissioner Berry Receives Industry Award page 8
Safety Award Banquet Schedule page 8
Bulletin Board page 9
2
From
Commissioner
Cherie Berry
Cherie Berry
Commissioner of Labor
Editor........................................................................Neal O’Briant
Layout and Design..............................................Jeff Wilson
Publications Bureau Chief....................Mike Daniels
1101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1101
1-800-625-2267 • www.nclabor.com
Recognition Roundup recognizes businesses that qualify for one of the
N.C. Department of Labor recognition programs. Congratulations to all of
the recent award recipients. To view a complete list of all North Carolina Star
recipient companies, visit www.nclabor.com/osha/star/starsite.htm.
To view a complete list of all North Carolina SHARP companies, visit
www.nclabor.com/osha/consult/sharp_sites.pdf.
Recognition Roundup
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition
Program (SHARP) Award
Robert L. Williamson III, DDS, Raleigh
BSI-Balance Systems Inc., Statesville
AB Interconnect, Smithfield
Carolina Star Award
Pfizer Inc., Sanford (recertification)
Kimberly-Clark Corp., Lexington Mill, Linwood (recertification)
N.C.Department of Labor
Spring Into Safety!
By Neal O’Briant
Public Information Officer
The NCDOL Agricultural Safety and Health Bureau held its 17th Annual Gold Star
Grower Luncheon on Feb. 2. The event was held in the Gov. James G. Martin building at
the N.C. State Fairgrounds on the opening day of the N.C. Department of Agriculture’s
Southern Farm Show. More than 170 people attended.
Gold Star growers are those whose housing
meets 100 percent of the requirements during
the preoccupancy inspection and who have
gone beyond the requirements. Double Gold
Star growers (who have met the 100 percent
threshold for the previous two consecutive
years) are eligible to conduct their own housing
inspections for that calendar year. The 98
Double Gold Star growers were invited to
the luncheon in addition to 103 Single Gold Star growers.
Regina Cullen, bureau chief for the Agricultural Safety and Health Bureau, welcomed the growers
to the meeting. She emphasized the three C’s in the relationship between the Labor Department and
farmers—communication, collaboration and change.
“The communication part for us is that we learn a lot from you,” Cullen said. “We will start this
year by listening to you, working with you and your farmworkers.”
Cullen talked about many of the programs undertaken by the bureau in past years that began with
ideas shared by farmers. One of the bureau��s initiatives started in 1998 after growers said their
biggest safety concern was driving farm vehicles on rural roads. The bureau helped farmers address
the issue with help from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
Dr. Blake Brown, professor of agricultural and resources economics at N.C. State University,
gave the keynote speech. Dr. Brown told the audience that the outlook is good for most agricultural
commodities. North Carolina’s farmers have adapted to changes in demand, shifting production to
NCDOL Recognizes Gold Star Growers
R.H. Byrd Jr. of Bunn Level receives the award for Most
Improved Housing from ASH inspector Beth Rodman.
3
tag that has a state registry number on it. The second is a yellow tag that will
have ‘NCDOL 2011’ printed on it.”
Clements explained that the tags are placed consistently in the same spot to
make it easier for the public to find. Inspectors place them on the rear-end facing
right-hand side of the ride near the tie down straps. The department changes the
color of the tag each year for tracking purposes. Last year’s tags were red and
this year’s are yellow.
“If the tags are not posted, the device is not safe to ride,” Clements said. “The
device must meet the manufacturers’ specifications 100 percent in North
Carolina. Enforcing this protects the public and forces the owners to take care of
their rides.”
Ride inspectors urge the public to use common sense when using inflatable
devices. Once inspectors are gone, there are variables out of their control such
as weather conditions.
“The wind could be a potential hazard,” Rickards said. “Adults and children
should not get on an inflatable if the wind is greater than 20 miles per hour. In
high winds, all occupants should be removed and the company should deflate
the device.”
If you visit a location with uninspected inflatable rides, you can call the Elevator
and Amusement Device Bureau at (919) 807-2770 to report it. Inspectors will
need to know the city, the street address of the event, and company name, if known.
“Bottom line, the rides are provided for your enjoyment, so don’t let a fun day
end in a tragedy,” Rickards said.
Inflatable Rides continued from page 1
Safety Rules for Inflatables
· Adult supervision is required at all times.
· Follow the rules listed by the manufacturer on the
side of the inflatable.
· Do not use an inflatable device in the rain or if
wind gusts are greater than 20 miles per hour.
· Do not let larger kids on with smaller kids.
· Do not hold hands or ride in another’s lap on slides.
· Do not flip, push or roughhouse while on an
inflatable device.
· Do not use an inflatable device while wearing shoes,
jewelry or any sharp object.
· Do not allow kids to go behind the rides where
generators and blowers are located.
· If a ride begins to deflate, evacuate immediately.
Rides deflate rapidly if power source is lost.
Kenneth Fann of Salemburg receives the
award for Outstanding Double Gold Star
Grower from ASH inspector Mike Coles.
continued on page 4
high value products such as livestock, poultry and fresh produce.
The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of four awards. R.H. Byrd Jr. of Bunn
Level received the award for Most Improved Housing. Kenneth Fann of Salemburg
received the award for Outstanding Double Gold Star Grower. David Hopkins of
Burlington received the award for Best New Construction. Ricky and Trellis Lasley of
Ruffin received the Ron Hudler Workplace Safety Training Award.
All three of the housing award winners talked about how improving their housing has
helped them retain better workers. Fann remarked that having good workers return year
after year repays the investment he has made in providing outstanding housing for them.
Dale Hudler helped Labor
Commissioner Cherie Berry
present the award named in
memory of his father. The
Lasleys are featured in a new
segment on the Hazard
Communication Standard in
the ASH Bureau’s training DVD.
“I hope this video helps each and every one of you and your workers be aware
of farm safety. Without these guys, we can’t make it,” Ricky Lasley said. “We have
to put safety first and make it a top priority”
After the presentation of the four special awards, Commissioner Berry presented
a certificate to each Gold Star grower.
“I want to thank you for all your hard work,” Commissioner Berry said. “You do
such an outstanding job for all the citizens of North Carolina.”
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Felipe Carrera Aguayo from the
Mexican Consulate’s office in Raleigh also spoke to the Gold Star growers.
NCDOL Recognizes Gold Star Growers
4
By Tom Savage, Safety Standards Officer
OSH Education, Training and Technical Assistance Bureau
On June 10, 2008, an explosion and fire occurred on a charter party boat located at a marina on Lake
Norman. The boat was being fueled at the time of the accident. The employee involved in the fueling opera-tion
was killed in the incident.
The N.C. Department of Labor has recently published a hazard alert that highlights some of the key require-ments
that, when followed, could help prevent this type of tragedy in the future. Recreational boaters will find this
information useful as well.
Below are some key points from the hazard alert. Click here to view the entire alert.
Fire Prevention
• Dispensing units must be at least 20 feet from any activity involving fixed sources of ignition and must be located away from other
structures so as to provide room for safe entry and exit from the craft being fueled.
• Dispensing must be by approved dispensing units with or without integral pumps.
• Dispensing nozzles must be automatic-closing without a hold-open latch.
• A readily accessible valve to shut off the supply from shore must be provided in each pipeline at or near the approach to the pier and at the
shore end of each pipeline adjacent to the point where the flexible hose is attached.
• All spills should be wiped up immediately.
• A person should attend the fuel-filling nozzle at all times.
• All personnel should be removed from the boat except the person handling the fueling hose.
Fire Control
• Each service station must be provided with at least one fire extinguisher having a minimum approved classification of 6 B, C.
NCDOL Publishes Marina Safety Hazard Alert
continued on page 5
David Hopkins of Burlington receives the award for Best
New Construction from ASH inspector Johana Furr.
Ricky Lasley of Ruffin receives the Ron Hudler Workplace Safety
Training Award from Dale Hudler, Labor Commissioner Cherie
Berry and ASH inspector Lauren Norton.
Hold-open latches are prohibited.
Boaters should not tamper with the
latch to thwart its safety features.
continued from page 3
By Steve Sykes
State Plan Coordinator
Fatal Event: On May
14, 2010, a 55-year-old
employee was killed when he was struck by a service truck driven
by a co-worker.
Investigative Findings: Four employees were working to place a
temporary bridge over an irrigation ditch in an 80,000-acre managed
forest. After the bridge was in place, an employee backed up a service
truck to refuel a bulldozer that was on the site. During the positioning
for refueling, the victim was struck by the service truck. No one
knew why the victim was behind the service truck since the driver
had indicated that he would be backing the service truck up to refuel
the bulldozer.
An examination of the service truck indicated that there was no
visibility through the rearview mirror because of the placement of a
100-gallon fuel tank and welder on the back of the service truck. The
driver did not see the victim from his driver’s sideview mirrors
either. Viewing from the passenger’s side mirror was impeded by
utility boxes attached to the truck. Backup alarms had been installed
on all company vehicles in 2007, but the alarm on the service truck
did not work on the day of the accident. The company did not have
a procedure in place to designate an observer or spotter when backing
equipment, and the victim was not wearing a high visibility vest at
the time of the accident.
Discussion: Struck-by accidents continue to be a leading cause of
death on the job. In FY 2010, there were a total of 12 struck-by fatalities
in North Carolina workplaces. This number was second only to 15
fall fatalities. The 27 fall and struck-by fatalities made up almost 63
percent of the 43 total work fatalities in FY 2010. There have
already been seven struck by fatalities in FY 2011. Six of the FY
2010 struck-by fatalities involved an employee contact with a moving
vehicle. In the past, NCDOL has investigated accidents involving
trucks, tractor trailers, graders, compactors, garbage trucks, forklifts
and a skidder. Many struck-by accidents occur at highway construction
work zones, constructions sites or garbage dumps—where there is
an abundance of various vehicle activities.
Recommendations:
N Employees should be trained in the hazards associated with
driving a vehicle.
N Vehicle operators should know the location of other employees
on a jobsite.
N Vehicles should be equipped with an audible reverse signal alarm.
N Reverse alarms should be maintained in a workable condition.
N An observer or spotter should be employed when employees
are engaged in activity that requires reversing operations of a
vehicle.
N Employees required to work in the vicinity of moving vehicles
should wear a vest or other high visibility clothing.
5
By Darryl Saunders
Intake and Compliance Unit Supervisor
There is a fast food restaurant
in my town that mainly employs
Hispanics. This includes the
co-manager and the assistant
manager (who schedules the
work hours). I really believe
they need to be looked into to
verify that all their employees
are legal, and I say this because
I have my doubts. If they are legal that is fine, but who can check to
make sure?
The N.C. Department of Labor does not regulate immigration
laws. If you feel that the employees are not working legally, you
should contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security at 1-866-347-2423
Can an employer stop employees from taking their breaks in their cars?
An employer has control over an employee’s actions, especially
on company property. They either obey the employer’s mandates or
face whatever disciplinary actions the company has established. The
matter gets “blurred” when the employee is off company property.
My mother works at a home improvement store. She started there
when they opened three years ago. About a year later, she had to
have surgery. Her doctor gave her a note stating that she could not
work outside. This had been honored by previous management, but
recently a new manager has come in and said he would not honor
the note from the doctor. Is there any labor law that protects her?
She is very hard working and does not want to quit her job because
of her medical condition.
The N.C. Department of Labor does not regulate any laws that
require an employer to recognize an employee’s doctor’s note. If
your mother is officially disabled due to her operations and you feel
that she is being discriminated against due to that disability, you may
want to contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission at 1-800-669-4000. They investigate discrimination in
the workplace.
• The fire extinguisher must be located within 75 feet of each pump, dispenser, underground fill pipe opening, and lubrication or service room.
Sources of Ignition
• There must be no smoking or open flames in the areas used for fueling, servicing fuel systems for internal combustion engines, receiving
or dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids.
• The motors of all equipment being fueled must be shut off during fueling operations.
• Open flame heaters should not be used in boat storage areas.
By following these requirements and educating the public, marinas can minimize or eliminate the hazards associated with dispensing flammable
and combustible liquids, resulting in a safer marina industry and a more enjoyable boating season for all.
NCDOL Publishes Marina Safety Hazard Alert continued from page 4
6
By Neal O’Briant
Public Information Officer
The N.C. Department of Labor honored Raleigh Comprehensive
and Cosmetic Dentistry (Robert Williamson, DDS & Associates)
as a participant in the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition
Program (SHARP). The program recognizes companies for a
commitment to the safety and health of their employees.
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry presented company officials
with the SHARP certificate and flag at a ceremony at its facility in
Raleigh on Friday, March 18.
“Every employee plays a part in creating a successful safety and
health program,” Commissioner Berry said. “Our program recognizes
your success. You should be proud of what you have achieved.”
The SHARP award is designed for small to mid-size businesses.
Companies that qualify for the award show that they have developed
and maintained good safety programs for workers. To qualify for
the program, injury and illness rates for the site must be below the
national average for the industry, and NCDOL safety and health
consultants must complete an assessment of the workplace. The
N.C. Department of Labor currently has 99 companies in the
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
A leading North Carolina dental practice, Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry is committed to offering high quality dental services
and exceptional patient care. Led by Dr. Robert L. Williamson III, Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry offers a full spectrum of
dental treatment options to patients, including expertise in comprehensive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and oral sedation
dentistry.
“It is an honor to be awarded this designation from the state Department of Labor,” Dr. Williamson said. “My staff and I are proud to achieve
and maintain the rigorous standards dictated by the SHARP program. Our efforts provide the highest levels of health and well-being for our
patients and for the staff that is dedicated to treating their dental and oral health needs.”
Labor Department Recognizes Raleigh Dental Practice
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry presents the SHARP certificate to Dr.
Robert Williamson and his staff at Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic
Dentistry. OSH consultants Rod Wilce (left) and Jiles Manning hold up the
SHARP flag in front.
By Dolores Quesenberry
Communications Director
NCDOL provides labor law posters free of charge to the public, but that has never stopped private poster companies from trying to make
a buck off businesses by threatening them with huge fines. Be aware that poster companies have recently added email messages and phone
calls to their toolbox of tricks.
“This is my annual reminder to ignore the ridiculous solicitations,” Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. “Your tax dollars have already
purchased your business a poster, so save your money and call NCDOL for your free set.”
Private poster companies make money selling expensive posters by threatening businesses into buying the latest poster or risk incurring
substantial fines from the N.C. Department of Labor. The poster companies have been known to charge as much as $190 per poster. The Labor
Department has seen an increase in complaints about the emails and phone calls.
The Labor Department will not fine businesses that have the old posters displayed. NCDOL inspectors carry the newest posters in their
vehicles and will offer them free to employers who have out-of-date posters.
“We would never fine an employer unless the employer just blatantly refused to put the posters up,” Commissioner Berry said. “I don’t
know of any employer who has refused to take a free set of posters from one of our inspectors.”
The labor law posters are required under North Carolina law. The posters carry information on the state’s Wage and Hour Act and what are
commonly referred to as “OSHA” regulations, or the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Businesses may not have to order new posters. The Labor Department printed updated posters after Congress passed changes to the minimum
wage in 2007. Any business that received posters with information about the three-step change to the minimum wage does not need a new set.
Businesses that need to order new posters can visit the Department of Labor website at www.nclabor.com/posters/posters.htm or call
1-800-625-2267. To find out if your business is required to post any federal posters, visit the Federal Poster Advisor page on the U.S.
Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov/elaws/posters.htm.
Labor Law Poster Scams Continue
By Dolores Quesenberry
Communications Director
The N.C. Department of Labor honored Southern Classic Seating
in Sophia as a participant in the Safety and Health Achievement
Recognition Program (SHARP). The program recognizes companies
for a commitment to the safety and health of their employees.
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry presented company officials
with the SHARP certificate at a ceremony at its facility on
Wednesday, March 2.
“This is a family owned business that treats its workers like family,”
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. “Each employee should be
very proud of this accomplishment because it recognizes employee
ownership and management’s support.”
The SHARP Award is designed for small to mid-size businesses.
Companies that qualify for the award show that they have developed and maintained good safety programs for workers. To qualify for the
program, injury and illness rates for the site must be below the national average for the industry, and NCDOL safety and health consultants
must complete an assessment of the workplace. There are 99 sites in the program throughout North Carolina.
“We appreciate the cooperative effort that the Department of Labor and our companies enjoy as they work together to provide a safe working
environment for our workforce,” said Harry Lane, existing business and industry coordinator for the Randolph County Economic
Development Corp. “Southern Classic Seating has worked hard on meeting the safety standards needed and are very deserving of the award
as you know.”
Southern Classic Seating was established in 1972 as a pine furniture producer by owner Harris Brown. In the late 1970s the company began
to transition from making furniture to being the manufacturer of custom van seats.
Southern Classic Seating began working with NCDOL Consultative Services in 2005. The company is one of three SHARP sites in
Randolph County.
Southern Classic Seating Receives SHARP Award
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry (center) helps Southern Classic Seating
employees display the SHARP flag. Commissioner Berry attended the company’s
SHARP ceremony in Sophia on March 2.
By Neal O’Briant
Public Information Officer
President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act on Dec. 29, 1970. April 28, 2011, marks the 40th anniversary of
the launch of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Under the federal OSH Act, states were given the option of being subject to federal OSHA or administering their own occupational safety
and health programs. For many years, North Carolina had its own industrial safety program in place, so it came as no surprise when the state
chose to administer its own OSHA program.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina was signed into law in 1973. North Carolina and federal OSHA funds jointly
support the operation of the state OSHA program. The North Carolina plan is required to be “as effective” as federal OSHA and is monitored
by federal OSHA to ensure that it remains as or more effective.
“NCDOL and the Occupational Safety and Health Division continue to reach out to employers and employees alike to keep our injuries
and illnesses low and workplace fatalities from occurring,” said Allen McNeely, NCDOL deputy commissioner for occupational safety and
health. “Through this relationship between the regulator and the regulated, North Carolina has been able to achieve its lowest injury rates on
record.”
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the agency, federal OSHA has created a timeline of significant events in its history on its website
at www.osha.gov/osha40/.
Federal OSHA included an anniversary message on its website that said, “Workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths have fallen dramatically
since OSHA began. Together with our State partners, OSHA has tackled deadly safety risks and serious health hazards. We have established
common sense standards and cooperative programs that have saved thousands of lives and prevented countless injuries.”
OSHA at 40
7
Safety Awards Banquet Schedule
The following Safety Award banquets are scheduled for March, April, May and June. For more information about the Safety Awards
Program, contact Eursula Joyner at (919) 807-2908 or eursula.joyner@labor.nc.gov.
Date Time City Location
March 29 7 p.m. Lincolnton Gaston College Senior Center
April 5 6 p.m. Greenville Hilton
April 12 6 p.m. Lumberton The Village Steakhouse
April 19 6 p.m. Gastonia Gaston Country Club
April 26 Noon Burlington Di Georgio’s Event Center
April 27 Noon Goldsboro Lane Tree Golf Club
April 28 Noon Asheboro AVS Banquet Centre
May 3 6 p.m. Roxboro Old Country Club Steakhouse
May 4 Noon High Point Deep River Event Center, Greensboro
May 5 Noon Monroe Monroe Country Club
May 6 Noon Charlotte Embassy Suites
May 12 6 p.m. Shelby Cleveland Country Club
May 17 6 p.m. Wadesboro The Malsgate
May 18 Noon Statesville Ramada Inn (Formerly Holiday Inn)
May 19 6 p.m. Morganton Community House
May 24 Noon Kinston Kinston Country Club
May 26 6:30 p.m. Ahoskie Ahoskie Inn
June 7 6 p.m. Wilmington Cape Fear Community College, North Campus – McKeithan Center
June 8 6:30 p.m. Rocky Mount Gateway Convention Center
June 9 Noon Sanford Chef Paul’s
June 9 6 p.m. Oxford Vance-Granville Community College
June 10 Noon Raleigh Crabtree Marriott
June 13 Noon Albemarle Stanly Regional Medical Center
June 14 Noon Lexington J. Smith Young YMCA
June 17 Noon Concord Cabarrus Country Club
June 21 Noon Wilson Wilson Chamber of Commerce Offices
June 21 6 p.m. Clinton Oasis
June 23 6 p.m. Asheville Etowah Valley Country Club
June 28 6:30 p.m. Hickory Crown Plaza Holiday Inn
June 30 6:30 p.m. Mount Airy Cross Creek Country Club
By Jennifer Allen
Builders Mutual Insurance Co.
During the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders Show in January,
Builders Mutual Insurance Co. proudly sponsored the NAHB Safety Awards For Excellence,
also known as the SAFE Awards. Emceed by Chris Grundy of the DIY Network, the SAFE
Awards provided a casual atmosphere to recognize the best of the best in safety and health in
the home building industry.
During the presentation, North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry won the
SAFE Award in the category of Federal/State Plan OSHA Safety Program Official of the Year.
In her acceptance message, Commissioner Berry stated, “It is no accident that workplace
fatalities are down statewide and that North Carolina’s injury and illness rate is currently the
lowest on record. … Serving as North Carolina’s Labor Commissioner is an honor and I take
the responsibility of saving lives in the workplace seriously.”
Mike Gerber, senior vice president/CMO of Builders Mutual commented, “Safety starts
with great partnerships. At BMIC, it all started with a partnership with the North Carolina
Home Builders Association, and extended on to the Department of Labor and our relationship
with Commissioner Berry. We value these partnerships and congratulate Commissioner Berry
on receiving the 2011 Safe Award for Federal/State Plan OSHA Safety Program Official of the Year.”
Commissioner Berry, who was unable to attend the SAFE Awards in person, received her award at Builders Mutual on March 22 during a
BMIC Board meeting.
Labor Commissioner Berry Receives Building Industry Award
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry receives the
SAFE Award from Rick Judson (left), chairman
of the board of directors at Builders Mutual,
and Mike Carpenter, NCHBA executive vice
president.
8
9
N.C.Department of Labor
OSH Regional and Webinar Courses
Visit the OSH Training Schedule Calendar at www.nclabor.com/osha/etta/training_calendar/april.html to view upcoming
regional and Internet training courses. The regional training courses take place in OSH Division offices in Asheville,
Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington and Winston-Salem. Upcoming topics include hazard communication, confined space entry,
personal protective equipment, fall protection, excavations and trenching, electrical safety, and respiratory protection.
10-Hour/30-Hour General
Industry Awareness Course
April 11-12/April 11-15
Haywood Community College, Waynesville
www.nclabor.com/osha/etta/30GI/30GIannounce.pdf
Safety and Health Schools
April 7-8
Eastern Carolina Safety and Health School
New Bern
www.ecshs.com
April 7-8
Charlotte Safety and Health School
www.charlottesafetyschool.com
April 14
Hickory Safety School
For more information, contact John Saunders at (704) 665-4341.
Earn While You Learn
NCDOL Apprenticeship and Training Bureau Conference
April 6-8
Embassy Suites, Greensboro
www.nclabor.com/appren/appindex.htm
Mine and Quarry Training
Part 46 New Miner Training
April 18, Wake Forest
May 16, Wake Forest
May 17, North Wilkesboro
Part 46 Annual Refresher Training
April 20, Wake Forest
May 18, Wake Forest
May 19, North Wilkesboro
First Aid Training
April 19, Wake Forest
May 17, Wake Forest
May 18, North Wilkesboro
Part 46 New Miner Training
May 10-12, Mebane
To register for any of these classes,
contact the Mine and Quarry Bureau at (919) 807-2790.
81st Annual N.C. Statewide
Safety Conference
May 17-19
Greensboro
www.ncsafetyconference.com
Builders University Safety Courses
Builders Mutual Insurance Co., which is in an alliance with
NCDOL to promote safe and healthful working conditions,
offers many safety courses through its Builders University.
Visit www.buildersmutual.com/bu for more information
and to view upcoming courses offered at Builders University.
1-800-625-2267
www.nclabor.com